Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Gaotai, China, a region that experiences a continental climate characterized by significant seasonal variations. With peak UV levels reaching 10 around noon, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining optimal skin health. As the sun's rays can be formidable, especially during the summer months, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can help mitigate risks related to overexposure. With Gaotai's typical sunny days, staying informed about the UV Index can empower you to enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts off low at 2, making it a safe time for morning activities. As the sun rises, the UVI steadily climbs, reaching 4 by 08:00 and hitting 6 at 09:00. The intensity peaks at 12:00, with a high of 10, indicating the need for sun protection. Throughout the afternoon, the index begins to wane, dropping to 9 at 13:00 and gradually decreasing to 5 by 15:00. The sun's rays soften as evening approaches, with the UV Index falling to 3 at 16:00 and finally tapering off to 2 at 17:00, before settling at 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. This hourly progression showcases the sun's powerful impact during midday, reminding us to stay protected!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, impacting how individuals should protect themselves from sun exposure. From January to February, the UV Index rises gradually from 2 (low) to 4 (moderate), with a burn time decreasing from 45 minutes to 30 minutes. As spring transitions into summer, the UV levels peak dramatically, reaching 11 (extreme) in July; during this month, the burn time reduces sharply to just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are April through August, particularly in July, where precautions are crucial. From September to November, the UV Index averages between 6 and 4, allowing for more moderate sun safety practices, before dropping back to 2 in December. Visitors and residents are advised to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing during the high UV months, especially between April and August, to avoid skin damage and sunburn.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Gaotai | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Chengdu UVI | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Shanghai UVI | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Guangzhou UVI | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Shenzhen UVI | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |